Central Europe

The heart of the European continent, Central Europe boasts a blend of rural and urban attractions suitable for practically any travel itinerary. Timeless charm and picture-perfect scenery draws a growing number of visitors to this part of the world, a land of sleepy villages, medieval towns, and modern urban centers, often set against dramatic natural scenery. Bound together by cultural and economic ties, Central Europe serves as home to diverse countries that include four former members of the Warsaw Pact and an ex-Yugoslav republic. If you like exploring places off most tourists' radar, add cities like Bratislava and Ljubljana to your Central Europe sightseeing schedule. For outdoor adventures, hike, bike, or ski some of the region's towering mountain ranges.